U.P. Produce Processing Study – Phase I

In FY 2017, the Central U.P. Prosperity Council took steps to better understand the needs and opportunities relative to produce processing across the entire Upper Peninsula. The Council provided $35,000 in RPI funds to the project team, lead by Marquette County and MSU Extension. The findings of the study suggest the possibility that conditions in the region may support the viability of a centrally located food processing facility in Marquette County. The study, which included a survey of farmers, stakeholder interviews, and a case study presents data that could be considered in future phases of a the study.

What is the Regional Prosperity Initiative?

The Regional Prosperity Initiative is a voluntary competitive grant process to encourage local private, public and non-profit partners to create vibrant regional economies. The legislature approved the recommended process and the Regional Prosperity Initiative was signed into law as a part of the FY 2014 budget (59 PA 2013).